Guy Reschenthaler

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation. House Resolution 1085 provides for consideration of six measures: H.R. 1023, H.R. 1121, H.R. 6009, H. Con. Res. 86, H. Res. 987, and H.R. 7023. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1023, the Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1121, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, that being under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. Further, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6009, the Restoring American Energy Dominance Act, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 86, expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy, that being under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means or their respective designees. The rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 987, denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration, under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. Finally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. The rule makes in order eight amendments. Mr. Speaker, since President Joe Biden took office, energy costs for Americans have risen by 28.6 percent. On January 20, 2021, a gallon of gasoline was--wait for it--$2.39. During President Biden's Presidency, the average price has reached a record high of $5 a gallon. This is a direct result of the President's dangerous, extreme, far-left agenda, the Green New Deal agenda that spent trillions of dollars and enacted costly regulations on the American family. The underlying legislation before us this week will help unlock and unleash American energy independence and block President Biden's war on the American worker and American energy. For example, H.R. 1023 will eliminate $27 billion of Green New Deal slush funds for coastal elites and Chinese Communists. We know China dominates the extraction, processing, and production of rare earth elements and critical minerals. Solar panels, windmills, and EVs all rely heavily on these materials, which further deepens our dependency on Communist China. This legislation will also repeal the proposed natural gas tax that will burden so many American energy producers in southwestern Pennsylvania and across this Nation. In addition, H.R. 1121 will block the President from declaring a moratorium on hydraulic fracking. In 2019, then-candidate Joe Biden expressed his support to ban fracking. The President said: ``We would make sure it is eliminated,'' when asked about the future of coal and fracking. Then, in March 2020, he said: ``No more new fracking.'' That is why, this week, House Republicans will block his ability to ban fracking. Lastly, H.R. 7023 will build upon the progress under H.R. 1 and the Fiscal Responsibility Act to help reform our permitting process. This bill will streamline the permitting process under the Clean Water Act, instructing the administration to issue guidance that complies with the Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA and protect permit holders from frivolous lawsuits. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1085 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, it is nice to hear my colleague talk about all the wonderful things that Democrats have done for the oil and gas industry, but it is shocking because Democrats want to ban fracking. Don't believe me. Take their word for it. Here is Kamala Harris: ``There is no question I am in favor of banning fracking.'' Here is Bernie Sanders: ``The only safe and sane way to move forward is to ban fracking nationwide.'' He then literally introduced a bill banning fracking shortly after that comment. There is also Pete Buttigieg. He said: ``I favor a ban on new fracking and a rapid end to existing fracking.'' Finally, here is Biden's Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland: ``I am wholeheartedly against fracking and drilling on public lands.'' Those are some of the most influential Democrats in the country, and their goal is simple. They want to ban fracking. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), my good friend.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, it is one thing that the Biden administration's extreme far-left positions on energy hurt the American economy and by extension the American worker and the American family, but the extremism also hurts our allies abroad. President Biden has clearly weakened our position on the international stage. Shortly after canceling our own Keystone XL pipeline, which, by the way, crushed tens of thousands of union jobs, the Biden administration greenlit Nord Stream 2. Before the 2022 midterm elections, the Biden administration released roughly 180 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or roughly 40 percent of that Reserve, that included at least 2 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to--are you ready for it?--China. After pausing new LNG export approvals, the President then waived sanctions on Iranian energy imports into Iraq. I will talk about that momentarily, though. It is clear from the administration's actions for these far-left extreme positions that President Biden favors Chairman Xi, Vladimir Putin, and the Ayatollah over the American worker. Now, let's go back and talk about the Iraq-Iran waiver. After pausing the new LNG export approvals, the Biden administration waived sanctions on Iranian energy imports into Iraq. This unlocks $10 billion in frozen funds for the Iranian Government who helped fund the October 7 terrorist attack on our number one ally in the world, Israel. It is clear to me that the White House's energy platform is the following: Yes to our enemies, no to America. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, today, the EPA released their tailpipe rule, which is a de facto ban on gas-powered vehicles. President Biden is setting performance standards for tailpipe emissions that automakers can only meet by producing EVs. This will do serious damage to the American family and the American worker. Through a series of rules, the Biden administration is eliminating gas-powered vehicles in less than 10 years. For example, the EPA is set to approve California's outright ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is proposing CAFE standards that force fleets to switch to EVs. What does this mean? For all the talk about building the middle class, this is an attack, a direct attack, on the middle class. Your average EV driver is making well over six figures a year. Middle-class Americans will struggle to be able to purchase a family car that can't travel long distances, has limited access to reliable fuel sources, and has components that are predominantly sourced from China. So there are the Democrats' priorities: harming the middle class while benefiting China. Also, if you think that it is cute to talk about so-called reliable energy sources, do some research and look at the power grid in Texas. Tell me how well that worked out. But under President Donald Trump's leadership as opposed to Joe Biden's extreme far-left leadership and agenda, under President Trump's leadership, our Nation actually became energy independent. This was thanks to the progrowth, projob, pro-American energy policies that facilitated an energy renaissance and lowered energy costs for hardworking American families. Just in my home State of Pennsylvania, we are second in the Nation for natural gas production. The industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in the Commonwealth, including roughly 130,000 union jobs that the Democrats falsely claim to care about. Our Commonwealth has such an abundance of natural resources that we lead the Nation in electricity exports to other States. Last year, Pennsylvania's impact fee revenue reached an historic level at $278.9 million, which helps to alleviate tax burdens on our local communities. When the Biden administration bends the knee to the climate change mob by stopping new LNG export approvals, by taxing natural gas production, by proposing bans on fracking, and placing a de facto ban on gas-powered vehicles, what are they doing? These actions are hurting American families and American workers, and local communities are being harmed in States like Pennsylvania. That is why we must pass this underlying legislation, which will strengthen our position on the international stage and when the final votes are tallied this week, you are going to see on display the stark difference between Democrats and Republicans. If you stand with the American worker, the American family, and the American job creator, vote ``yes'' on the rule and the underlying legislation. If you support energy resources from Chairman Xi, Vladimir Putin, and the Ayatollah, then vote ``no'' on the rule and ``no'' on the underlying legislation. The choice couldn't be any clearer, and you will see the stark difference between the Democrats and the Republicans on this vote. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Waynesburg University. Originally formed in 1849 when the Cumberland Presbyterian Church united Greene Academy and Madison College, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania officially chartered Waynesburg College on March 25, 1850. The college gained early acclaim in 1857 when it became one of the first coeducational colleges in the United States and earned widespread praise for grounding its curriculum in faith and service. Following a decade of growth, the college gained university status in 2007 and officially became Waynesburg University. Each year, the university's students, faculty, and staff engage in more than 50,000 hours of volunteer service to better the surrounding community. The university also remains committed to providing a quality and practical education. As a testament to its academic strength, nearly 99 percent of the class of 2022 reported employment or enrollment in a graduate program within one year of graduation. Waynesburg University's reputation for excellence extends far beyond Pennsylvania. The institution's addictions counseling program ranked fourth nationally in 2021 and 2022, while its online Master of Business Administration ranked 21st nationally for the 2023-2024 academic year Additionally, Waynesburg University's business and nursing programs were placed on the Colleges of Distinction roster during the 2023-2024 academic year. Mr. Speaker, Waynesburg University is an integral part of our region's heritage and history. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate the university's leadership and community on their 175th anniversary and thank them for their service to southwestern Pennsylvania.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Douglas G. Lee on his exceptional decade of service as President of Waynesburg University. He assumed the office on July 1, 2013. President Lee devoted the past decade to improving the educational experience for students and serving the Waynesburg, Pennsylvania community. He managed a $32 million revitalization of the Paul R. Stewart Science Hall and successfully implemented a health and safety plan that allowed students to remain on campus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts ensured continued academic excellence and a safe environment for the university's thriving student population. A Waynesburg University alumnus himself, President Lee graduated from the university in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business. His loyalty to the institution deepens his connection to the school's faith, academic mission, and focus on the community. President Lee continues to serve the university and Pennsylvania's academic community as secretary and treasurer of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania. He also serves on the NCAA Division III Board of Governors to help student athletes grow their academic and athletic character. The Greene County Chamber of Commerce awarded President Lee the Distinguished Service Award to recognize his contributions to the university and community. President Lee lives out his faith as an elder at his church, a board member of several local charities, and a loving husband and father. Mr. Speaker, President Lee leads a life of integrity and service He inspires all members of the Waynesburg University community to pursue a life of leadership and purpose. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate President Douglas G. Lee on this remarkable anniversary and look forward to Waynesburg University's continued success under his leadership.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and advocacy of Malphine ``Mafa'' Fogel, who will celebrate her 95th birthday on March 11, 2024. Malphine was born and raised in Brady's Bend, Pennsylvania. After graduating as the valedictorian of East Brady High School's class of 1947, she moved to Butler, Pennsylvania. She began a successful career there with the Butler Eagle newspaper and Nationwide Insurance Company. In 1957, Malphine married Maurice ``Cubby'' Fogel and shared 57 happy years of marriage before his passing in 2014. The couple raised three children together: Mary, Marc, and Anne. Over the years, the Fogel family grew to include nine grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. She also remains closely connected with her seven siblings and travels home to Brady's Bend every Sunday to spend dinner with them. Last May, I had the honor of meeting Malphine for the first time when she traveled to Washington and advocated for her son's release from a Russian prison. With the support of Malphine and her family, I proudly introduced the Marc Fogel Act to provide transparency into the State Department's wrongful detainment determination process and ensure that Americans imprisoned overseas are not forgotten. The Fogel family deserves answers, and we will not rest until Marc returns home. Malphine built her life on the bedrock of faith and reverence for God, and it continues to guide her through this difficult time. Every Sunday, she attends Mass at St. Michael the Archangel and was a frequent parishioner at the 24 hour Eucharistic Adoration for 20 years. Her example of faith, love, and devotion to family provide an inspiring example for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish Malphine a happy 95th birthday and express my urgent, longstanding hope for her son's release so that the Fogel family can be swiftly reunited.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Mark Smail, who sadly passed away at the age of 62 on February 17, 2024. A graduate of Hempfield Area High School and the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Mark joined the family business at Smail Auto Group and spent the next 40 years establishing the company as an institutional pillar of the Westmoreland County business community. Mark replaced his father as General Manager in 2018 and became the third generation of the Smail family to lead the business. Mark distinguished himself through his leadership, business acumen, and dedication to the community. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce named Smail Auto Group the 2021 Business of the Year, largely due to the company's ability to keep all 500 employees on staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark's continuous participation in industry and community associations also earned widespread praise. In recognition of his commitment to civic engagement, the Pennsylvania Automotive Association awarded Mark the 2021 Bud Smail Political Advocacy Award. The award pays homage to Mark's late father, who inspired him to work hard and give back to his community. Mark shared his father's determination to give back to the community and strived to make southwestern Pennsylvania a better place to live. As a philanthropist, Mark raised millions of dollars for local nonprofits. He contributed to and volunteered with many organizations, including the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, the Magee-Women's Research Institute and Foundation, the Troops First Foundation, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, and the Westmoreland Food Bank. As a devoted husband and father, Mark cherished his friends and family. Mark will be remembered by his wife of 35 years, Kelly, and their children, Taylor and Marcus. His memory will undoubtedly serve as an example of love, devotion to one's family, and selfless service. Mr. Speaker, Mark Smail dedicated his life to the people of Westmoreland County and southwestern Pennsylvania. His legacy is the epitome of a life well-lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish his family healing during this difficult time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation. House Resolution 1009 provides for consideration of H.R. 7176, which is the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, under a closed rule with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective designees. It provides one motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, since President Biden took office, he has waged a war on American energy independence while supporting policies that have emboldened Vladimir Putin, the Ayatollah of Iran, and the dictator in Communist China, Chairman Xi. Mr. Speaker, if you don't believe me, then let's go through some of the facts. President Biden green-lit the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to provide Russian gas to Europe at the same time that he blocked the Keystone XL pipeline here at home. He has proposed and enacted rules that have devastated clean, coal-fired power plants while China approves two coal power plants a week. He has deleted the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its lowest levels since 1983 and sent millions of barrels of oil to where? Communist China. Mr. Speaker, on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, almost as if he was trolling patriotic Americans and the families of victims of 9/11, on that same day, he turned around and unfroze $6 billion in oil sanctions to Iran. Just days later, the Iranians turned around and helped fund a horrific, medieval, barbaric attack on our number one ally, the State of Israel. The Biden administration's policies have truly embodied the slogan, America last. That is not all. You might be thinking there can't be more that he has done to devastate energy production and harm ourselves and our allies, but wait, there is more. We are going to talk about it right now. Last month, this administration announced an indefinite pause in new approvals of liquefied natural gas exports. This deeply concerning decision puts American family-sustaining jobs and the security of not only ourselves but our allies and other partners around the globe at risk. In the wake of Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, our European allies have nearly tripled their import of U.S. LNG while significantly reducing their reliance on Russian natural gas. Studies have shown that LNG exports can provide upward of $73 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040, create an additional 450,000 jobs, and help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, Biden and his administration have tried to put a stop to all that. This administration's actions will undoubtedly cause significant disruptions to the United States and global economies. Let me be clear about one thing. The only people who stand to benefit from this decision are people based in Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow, and maybe White, affluent suburbs that vote for Joe Biden and want to feel good about themselves. Other than that, no one else benefits from this decision. That is why House Republicans are bringing to the floor this week the bipartisan Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, which ends the Biden administration's ban on LNG exports and streamlines the permitting process by removing the Department of Energy from the approval process. This week's vote will be very clear. Do you support American workers and American energy, or do you support authoritarian and Communist regimes abroad? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, there is a lot to rebut there, but let's start with the notion that we are here passing the same bill over and over again. That is simply not true. We are here for one reason and one reason only. Last month, Biden and the far-left radical Democrats catered to their base and put an indefinite ban on LNG exports. Again, as I said in my opening, this is going to hurt American workers. This is going to hurt our allies and partners around the world. If you are worried about carbon emissions, it is going to be bad for the environment. Who benefits from this? The people who benefit from this are Putin; the dictator in Communist China, Xi; and the Ayatollah in Iran. They are the only three that benefit from this. The loser, again, is the American worker and our allies abroad. If you support dirty Russian and Iranian oil and gas, then go ahead and vote against this bill, but know that your vote supports them. If you support American energy and the American worker, then vote for this bill. That is why we are here today. To talk about this being a handout to Wall Street and big corporations, I tell my colleague across the aisle that the early 2000s want their Democratic Party back because, the last time I checked, we are now the party that supports the people who shower after work, not before. They are the party of Wall Street, and we are the party of Main Street. When President Biden took office, you can look at what he did. What he did was detrimental to Main Street, detrimental to the American workers, very beneficial to corporate America, and very beneficial to Wall Street. When President Biden took office, inflation was at 1.4 percent. Since then, prices have risen 17.9 percent. That includes a 28.6 percent increase in electricity, a 20 percent increase in food prices, and an 18 percent increase in rent prices. If you factor in inflation, wages have actually fallen 4 percent since Biden took office. For 26 straight months, inflation has outpaced wage growth. Last October, mortgage rates hit a 23-year high. Today, Americans are spending just about $12,000 more per year just to buy the basics. That is like coming and saying we are going to take $1,000 out of your paycheck every month just to keep up with Bidenomics. Who does that hurt? It doesn't hurt the executive working at BlackRock that sends money to the Democratic Party. It doesn't hurt the fat cats running corporations. It hurts the supporters and the American workers. The base of the Republican Party is who pays the price for this. Mr. Speaker, for the Democrats to say that we are somehow concerned with Wall Street, that is their party. We are worried about Main Street on this side of the aisle. Now, talking about Republicans not wanting to support our allies abroad, maybe I was asleep last week when the Democrats voted down a clean Israel aid package, because that aid package would have helped our allies abroad. I am not sure who my friend is talking about when he is saying we don't want to help our allies abroad. It is very clear that we are the party who wants to support democracy abroad because the LNG issue is one of the most beneficial things we can do for our allies in Europe, in particular. Despite disaster after disaster on the foreign stage, this could actually help alleviate it. Let's talk about Biden's disasters on the international stage. Biden's foreign policy has led to--and I will list it: a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan that killed 13 Americans. By the way, my friends across the aisle claim they care about women and children, but do you know who is paying the price for Biden's disaster in Afghanistan right now? It is all the women who had rights when we were there, and all the children that now have to grow up under the medieval-style rule of the Taliban. Biden's disaster just didn't stop with Afghanistan. He also emboldened Iran to unleash a proxy network that killed American troops in the Middle East, along with three brave servicemembers lost in Jordan from Iran's aggression. Also, the Biden administration has had a failure to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from ragtag Houthi rebels, which Biden delisted from the terrorist organization list. This shouldn't be surprising, though. Former President Obama's own Defense Secretary commented that Joe Biden has been wrong on every single foreign policy decision he has ever made. I would submit to you that this LNG export ban is in that list of decisions that Biden has made for foreign policy that is simply wrong. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), who is my good friend, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again, there is a lot to rebut there. If the gentleman wants to talk about Trump and foreign policy, let's talk about it. It is not a coincidence that under the Obama administration, you had an aggressive Russia moving into Crimea. Then you have 4 years where Russia does not invade any of their neighbors. Then enter Joe Biden and the radical Democrats, and Vladimir Putin senses the weakness of Joe Biden and invades Ukraine. I will take President Trump's record on the foreign stage over Joe Biden's record any day of the week. Furthermore, to suggest that President Trump doesn't care about the military and about advancing American interests abroad, I would remind the gentleman--maybe he forgot--that it was President Trump who took out Soleimani. It was President Trump who took out al-Baghdadi. It was President Trump that debilitated and destroyed ISIS. It was President Trump who brought forward the Abraham Accords that actually brought the promise of peace and stability to the Middle East. I will take President Trump's foreign policy any day of the week, as would probably the Ukrainians, the Israelis, and the Taiwanese people. Now, the comment about this bill benefiting authoritarian regimes, it is completely the opposite. If we limit our export of LNGs, the demand for LNGs abroad is not going to go away. That is fantasy land. Our allies will still need liquefied natural gas, but instead of having the benefit of buying it from places like Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, our allies will have to buy it from places like Russia, Tehran, and Venezuela, for example. So who are you supporting when you ban the export of LNG? I would submit to you that you are supporting the authoritarian regimes that you proclaim to despise. Now, my friend and colleague--and I do consider him a friend--from Massachusetts made a comment that we are operating under a different set of facts. It is like we are looking at two different fact patterns. That might be right, but I think we are looking at two different decades. Again, this is no longer 2006. This is a new Democratic Party. This is a Democratic Party made up of radical extremists, leftists, and the Republican Party has also shifted. There was a comment about union jobs. It is pretty clear where the Democrats stand on union jobs when literally on day one of the Biden administration, right out of the gate, he cancels the Keystone XL Pipeline. Do you know how many union jobs were lost? There were over 60,000 union jobs lost. So the guy that is driving the EV to the yoga class, he might be happy that the Keystone XL Pipeline went down, but that is the guy that has the ``Ridin' with Biden'' bumper sticker on his car. The guy that is actually driving to work in a truck, that is the guy who is voting Republican, so a different set of facts. I suggest a different decade. It is a new Republican Party, and it is a new Democratic Party, for sure. Those union workers are voting Republican. Let's talk about what we have done in Congress so far. It is hard to prove a negative, but in some ways we can talk about the rush to the Green New Deal and us preventing a rush to the Green New Deal. If the Democrats were in power right now, we would be all in on the disastrous policies of the Green New Deal, which does nothing but benefit China. However, because we are in the majority, we have been able to stop extreme left positions and ideas. Again, let's go back to the Green New Deal. The path forward for the Green New Deal has been propped up by adversaries like China. Why is that? It is because we rely on China for critical minerals. We need those critical minerals to build everything from an electric vehicle to a solar panel to windmills. Biden's administration, by the way, openly admits this. According to his own Secretary of the Interior, the administration's rush to green policies has furthered our dependence on China. She said that in a hearing, by the way, in the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. She is right about that. China accounts for 63 percent of the world's rare earth mining, 85 percent of rare earth processing, and 92 percent of rare earth magnet production. While Democrats hamper our domestic energy production, China is busy emitting more greenhouse gases than the U.S., the entire EU and Japan combined. China is the one that is bringing two coal-fired power plants online every week, two a week. It is clear when the White House and congressional Democrats push for the Green New Deal, they are actually absolutely colorblind. What they really are pushing for is a red new deal that benefits our number one adversary, China. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1009 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I remind my friend across the aisle that when President Trump was naming those world leaders, those world leaders were actually alive. Let's talk about Ukraine aid. I don't know if my friend knows my record, but it is pretty hard to find someone who is more hawkish on Russia than me. The difference with my position is I am consistent. My friends across the aisle are not. It is amazing. The same people who are calling for a blank check for Zelenskyy, saying it will take as long as it takes, those are the same people who are telling our allies in Israel who are under attack every single day from the north, south, and west that they need an off-ramp, that they need to turn it down. They are the ones who voted against a clean Israel aid package just last week. I am very proud to be consistent. I don't like Russians in Ukraine, and I also don't like Hamas attacking Israel. I wish that consistency were across the aisle. I think my friends, though, are too beholden to their radical, anti-Israel, far-left base. If we want to talk about Biden failures, there is more than just foreign policy. Let's talk about the border crisis. Joe Biden and Secretary Mayorkas, I would submit to you, have intentionally left the southern border open. Under President Trump's leadership, America never had a single month of over 150,000 illegal border crossings. It never crossed that threshold. Do you know what that number is under Joe Biden? Thirty-four. It is as if he is intentionally leaving the border open. This is an absolute dereliction of duty by Mayorkas and Joe Biden, and it is because they are beholden to their far-left radical extremist base. Just how bad is this? Let's be clear. On day number one, this administration put in motion a border agenda that endangers our national security, exacerbates our fentanyl crisis, and puts our communities at risk. Do you want to talk about more numbers? Every single day, roughly 300 Americans die of fentanyl overdoses. It happens every day. That would be like a commercial airliner once a day going down and my friends across the aisle not caring or saying anything about it. It is amazing the silence on the fentanyl issue. It didn't have to be this way. Joe Biden could have had remain in Mexico. He could have had catch and release. He could have done numerous executive orders that President Trump did, but Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and, again, the extreme radical Democrats have refused to do anything to secure the border. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), my good friend, to add more.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let's refocus this debate on what we are here to discuss, and that is LNG exports, making sure that we are exporting clean liquefied natural gas to our allies abroad. Let's talk about LNG export stats. In 2021, Russian gas accounted for more than 40 percent of the European Union's gas supply. Today, roughly 10 percent of the EU's natural gas supply still comes from Russia, a share that could be lowered further with U.S. LNG. In 2022, the U.S. surged more than 800 LNG cargoes to Europe, a 141 percent increase from 2021. In December 2023, more than 87 percent of the U.S. LNG exports went to the European Union, the United Kingdom, or Asian markets. U.S. LNG has helped reduce natural gas prices in Europe by over 83 percent from 2022 levels, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. American LNG has 41 percent lower lifecycle emissions than compressed natural gas from Russia. The Department of Energy estimates that LNG exports could add between $50 billion to $73 billion--that is ``billion''--to the U.S. economy by 2040 and create between 200,000 and 500,000 jobs as well as increase downstream industries like manufacturing. The top five importers of U.S. LNG are South Korea, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. By standing against LNG exports, you are reversing all this good that is coming from it. You are making our allies more dependent on Russia. You are hurting the environment because you are having our allies burn Russian gas that is 40 percent dirtier than any LNG that is coming from the United States. You are standing in the way of American jobs and the American economy by the devastating impact of stopping our LNG exports. However, don't just take my word for it. Let's go through some quotes on LNG exports. Let's look at our European allies and what they say. Here is what Eurogas said: ``If additional U.S. LNG export capacities don't materialize, it would risk increasing and prolonging the global supply imbalance. This would inevitably prolong the period of price volatility in Europe and could lead to price increases with the consequent implications that would have for economic turmoil and social impact.'' Again, that is Eurogas. That is our European allies. That is not the Republican Party saying this. Let's talk about the Directorate-General for Energy for the European Union. The director said: We do not have the abundance of energy sources in Europe. We need to rely on partners in the United States, and we need to become as resilient as possible within that reality. Again, what the director of the EU is saying is if they don't have LNG from the United States, they are going to go elsewhere. Where is that elsewhere? That elsewhere is Russia. Let's look at industry. My good friend Toby Rice, the CEO of EQT has said: ``These types of executive orders send a chilling effect through the industries and the investors.'' Again, that is Toby Rice, the CEO of EQT, the largest LNG exporter in the United States. The American Petroleum Institute, American Exploration & Production Council, and other industry leaders have said: ``Any action to halt U.S. LNG export approvals would be a major mistake that puts American jobs and allies at risk while undermining''--wait for it--``global climate goals.'' Let's end with our friends from across the aisle. What are Democrats saying about LNG exports? Well, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says: The U.S. is ``. . . now the leading supplier of LNG to Europe to help compensate for any gas or oil that it's losing as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.'' It stands to reason that if you want to help Russia and do exactly the opposite of what Blinken is saying, you would stop LNG exports from the United States. Let's look at what Secretary Granholm has said. ``I believe U.S. LNG exports can have an important role to play in reducing international consumption of fuels that have greater contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.'' That was Secretary Granholm, not exactly a right-winger. Again, if you are against this bill, you are against all these individuals that are speaking up for U.S. LNG exports. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford), my good friend, to add more to the conversation.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, two quick things. Let me correct myself. I said EQT is the largest exporter. They are the largest producer in the United States. Madam Speaker, I inform my friend across the aisle that I have no more speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, this administration's decision will have long-lasting impacts on the workforce, including union jobs that my Democrat friends across the aisle claim to care about. It will also have long-term lasting impacts on our country's long- term economic growth. That is why House Republicans will pass this legislation, which removes Biden's export regulations that add uncertainty to the market and that curtail production and decrease global price volatility prices at home and abroad. The underlying legislation lowers global emissions, strengthens energy security, and creates thousands of family-sustaining jobs. For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of extending the pro-growth tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). In 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed the TCJA into law, which ushered in prosperity to the American economy. These benefits included significant investments in American workers, families, and local communities. Thanks to House Republican leadership and Chairman Jason Smith, Congress has prioritized the restoration of these important provisions, such as the full and immediate expensing for research and development, full expensing of investments in new equipment, machinery, and technology, and business interest deductibility. Under these important TCJA provisions, job creators across our nation increased innovation, expanded facilities, and reinvested in their employees. For example, the International Paper Company utilized the research and design expensing reforms to advance efficiency and safety standards at their box plant in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I hear across southwestern Pennsylvania the need to restore these vital TCJA provisions. I urge Congress and the Administration to recognize the opportunity before us. Restoring these provisions can strengthen the U.S. economy, help create new American jobs, and increase our nation's competitiveness. I stand with the businesses and workers in my district, and I encourage my colleagues to extend these expired provisions immediately.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Janice Cmar, who passed away on January 6, 2024. Janice was born and raised in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and lived in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, for nearly 30 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science from Mansfield University and a master's degree in special education from Duquesne University. Janice felt called to public service throughout her academic endeavors, dedicating her 24-year career to public service as a teacher at Peters Township Middle School and an elected official. Her father's service on school boards and other public offices motivated her to follow a similar path in life. She was elected to the Jefferson Hills Borough Council in 1998 and focused on supporting the area's schools and first responders. Specifically, she spearheaded many public safety initiatives and worked to increase citizen participation in local government. I had the honor of swearing her in as Mayor of Jefferson Hills in 2014. Janice took her commitment to the community seriously and worked tirelessly to make Jefferson Hills a better place to live, work, and raise a family. She set up the first website for the Borough of Jefferson Hills, created a children's summer program to provide safe recreational activities for local youth, and served as board secretary for the Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association. In recognition of her faithful and effective commitment to good local government, Janice received the Cecil K. Leberknight Award from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. Janice also served as a leader in the wider community and worked tirelessly to make southwestern Pennsylvania a better place to live. She knew that to understand the problems facing her community truly, she needed to be involved in local organizations. Her desire to hear directly from residents about the problems facing the community led Janice to join the Jefferson Hospital Auxiliary, Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company, and volunteer at countless events for the Triumph of the Holy Cross parish. She also worked with many local business leaders through her involvement in the West Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce. The people of southwestern Pennsylvania benefitted greatly from her community involvement, and she will be sorely missed. Throughout her life, Janice supported and loved her family. Her memory lives on through her husband of 39 years, Dennis, their children, Michael and Nicole, and their grandchildren, Teddy and Lilly. Janice's life will undoubtedly serve as an example of love, devotion to one's family, and selfless service. Mr. Speaker, Janice Cmar dedicated her life to the people of Jefferson Hills and southwestern Pennsylvania. Her legacy is the epitome of a life well-lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish her family healing during this difficult time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Charles J. Hardy for being named a Knight of the Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian honor. Hardy joined the 282nd Engineer Combat Battalion on July 16, 1943, and was one of many brave soldiers who risked their lives during the Second World War. He fought valiantly in the battle of Saint-Malo and captured enemy submarine pens throughout his time on the Western front. He also contributed to the liberation of the Ardennes, the Rhineland, Central Europe, and France. During these grueling compaigns, Hardy consistently demonstrated fearlessness and determination. Today, Hardy will be remembered and honored for his courageous service 79 years ago by receiving France's highest honor.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 891 and ask for its immediate consideration.